Romance Porn Is The New Black

Every couple of months I update my site Porn Movies For Women. I’d do it more often if the site was automated but, sadly, I still edit the entire thing by hand. So this is the best I manage to do.

In any case, while there haven’t been many indie female-friendly porn productions released lately, I found myself overwhelmed by the sheer number of “romance” titles that the mainstream industry is currently churning out. There seems to be a new series or title coming out daily. And given that the porn parody steam train might be finally slowing down, romance is suddenly the new black.

And that means, ladies, that suddenly it’s all about you.

Thanks to porn’s declining revenue over the last couple of years, the mainstream adult companies have been casting about for new ways to make money. And, despite them dismissing the idea of women buying porn for years (want me to tell you all about it?), suddenly, they want a piece of the “female friendly” pie. It seems like Porn Valley finally caught on that women might like porn and they’re scrambling to cater to us. The old fashioned “couples” genre isn’t enough, it seems.

Hence, the sudden popularity of romance. Because that’s what all chicks like, right?

It started with New Sensations, who released a very upmarket series of features with romance novel storylines. The films feature shorter sex scenes and attempt include some emotion and sensuality in the mix. Claiming that love was “the last taboo” in porn, the films are written by women and directed by men and aim to appeal to couples. “This product will change the way women perceive pornography,” said reviewer Sherri S. The movies were released with impressive cover art that looked more like a typical Hollywood rom-com than a porn film – no doubt this has helped sell the product.

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The series has done well enough that other studios are copying them. Wicked, Adam and Eve and Smash Pictures have launched romance-themed series and a number of other studios have released love-story-style films. Nica Noelle and AEBN have even launched a transsexual romance line.

You’ll find them all at the new page I’ve created: Romance Porn at Porn Movies for Women.

I’ve seen and reviewed a couple of these romance films and they didn’t do a lot for me. I’m a pretty jaded porn viewer and I actually found myself keen for a decent, engaging storyline. Unfortunately the ones I’ve seen don’t quite pull it off; the emotional element didn’t really gel and I found it difficult to relate to the female characters.

But for me, one of the frustrating things about the romance trend is that it is yet another attempt to – I hate this phrase – put lipstick on a pig. The plotlines, the emoting, the expensive sets, the 5D cameras… it’s all fannying about the edges because the sex is still the same. The uncomfortable positions are the same, the non-stop fake moaning is the same, the camera cuts the guy out of the frame, it all ends with a cumshot and no female orgasm. Porn is about filming sex and unfortunately they’re still doing it the same way they have for decades.

And many women – many people – are kind of over that. I know I am.

Then again, these films sell well so they obviously are appealing to an audience. It may well be that romance porn is exactly what you’re looking for, particularly if you’re a fan of romance novels. And certainly if you’re not into gonzo porn with endless pumping and facials, you’ll like the hetero sex you see in these films. I should also say that at least Nica Noelle is trying to film more realistic sex scenes in her Sweet Sinner, Hard Candy and Sweet Sinema movies.

It’s also worth ruminating on the idea that romance equals porn for women. In the past five years or more there have been plenty of people railing against this stereotyping and I can see their point. Not all women want to see soap-opera style romance. Plenty of them are happy with just the sort of gonzo or cliched porn I’ve just complained about.

Yet at the same time, lots of women DO like romance. And there’s nothing wrong with that. Perhaps it’s a good thing that the porn industry is trying to cater to those women. I just wish they’d make a bit more effort when it comes to the sex.

In any case, here’s a sample of the kind of romance films currently on offer.

Love, Marriage and Other Bad Ideas
The blurb: Marriage counselor, Dr. Paul Highland, is at his wits’ end. After years of dealing with an endless array of other people’s problems, Paul finds himself with a problem of his own – he no longer believes in love. That is until April, a beautiful bride to be, unwittingly seeks his advice. Sparks fly when an immovable object such as Paul Highland meets an unstoppable force such as April. How could two such opposing forces find a common ground? Can they? Or is this just another session in Dr. Highland’s busy practice otherwise known as his life?

Starring: Lexi Belle, Anthony Rosano, Natasha Nice, Dana De Armond, Wolf Hudson, Alison Tyler, Xander Corvus, Richie Calhoun

Available From
Gamelink: DVD
Ms Naughty: DVD

Immortal Love
The blurb: After calling off her engagement, Madelyn is left alone and heartbroken. She shuts herself in her high-rise apartment and finds comfort in her music. Soon, however, she begins to feel she is not alone. It seems that someone… or something else… has also found solace in her late night piano playing. After a shadowy figure saves her from some would-be attackers, Madelyn’s suspicions are confirmed. She finds the courage to confront the mystery man but nothing could have prepared her for what she discovers. It quickly becomes a classic tale of good versus evil as their undeniable passion causes two very different worlds’ to collide. Madelyn soon learns that it is not just her heart that is in danger, but her very soul. Can their Immortal Love overcome the odds or will it destroy them all?

Starring: Mick Blue, Kris Slater, Alektra Blue, Gracie Glam, Seth Gamble, Brendon Miller, Chanel Preston, Xander Corvus, Britney Young

Available From
Gamelink: DVD or download
Ms Naughty: DVD

Diary Of Love
For fans of The Notebook, here’s the porny equivalent.
The blurb: Behind every great romance is a great story. When Ally (Presley Hart) and Noah (Richie Calhoun) get together as a summer fling it quickly sprouts into true love. Unfortunately Ally’s rich upper class parents feel Noah is not suitable for their daughter and immediately put the kibosh on the blossoming romance. Seven years later the two meet again and quickly realize the old flame still burns bright. Ally is now faced with the dilemma of marrying a man her family approves of or going back with her one true love.

Starring: Kimberly Kane, Jonny Castle, Lily LaBeau, Presley Hart, Richie Calhoun, Lia Lor, Logan Pierce
Available From
Gamelink: DVD
Ms Naughty: DVD

Cafe Amore
The blurb: Love is brewing at Vincent’s popular coffee shop. As he pours his heart and soul into reopening his late wife’s coffee shop, his customers are inspires to take a leap with their own journeys in love and lust. After watching from the sidelines for so long, will Vincent be able to move on and rediscover his own passion again as well?
Following the tragic death of his wife, Rocco Reed takes over her coffee shop to honor her memory and starts playing match-maker with his customers! But can Rocco let go of his past when he meets his own match?

Starring: Barrett Blade, Dana DeArmond, Anthony Rosano, David Lord, Alexis Texas, Andy San Dimas, Rocco Reed, Danny Mountain, Lily LaBeau

Available From
Gamelink: DVD or Download
Ms Naughty: DVD

Black Romance: The Color Of Love
The blurb: Candles softly illuminate a marble backsplash, the water is turned on and water gushes from the gold tap. The oxblood colored tub fills in the next room and she sleeps peacefully. The tea lights flicker softly, casting a warmth in the room beyond the steaming water. A beautiful woman, a hot bubble bath, candles, a ring… The plot thickens, and he probably will too in a minute! That’s the recipe for something sexy! This is a couples romance film featuring an all-black cast.
Starring: Bethany Benz, Leilani Leeanne, Misty Stone, Skin Diamond, Sky Diamond

Available From
Gamelink: DVD or Download

Trans Romantic: Forbidden Lovers
This film, directed by Nica Noelle, features M to F transsexual sex. It’s a trans film made by the mainstream adult industry. It’s the first “romantic” trans film I’ve heard of.

The blurb: When tall, muscular Christian brings home his shy, young girlfriend Amy to meet his parents, the pretty blonde seems uncomfortable and nervous. When a storm forces the couple to stay the night, Christian confronts Amy and finally learns the secret she’s been hiding. Will it spell the end of their relationship, or a hot, new beginning? Meanwhile, exotic and handsome Robert is fighting an attraction to sexy nerd secretary Brittany. But as he seduces the tall, intelligent redhead, his blonde bombshell girlfriend Sarina is busy having an affair of her own – with gorgeous, young Spencer Fox!

Available From
Gamelink: DVD or Download
Ms Naughty: DVD